Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Pakistan has suspended visa extensions for Afghan refugees, affecting thousands and raising concerns over forced deportations and human rights violations.
Pakistani media have reported that a major law enforcement body in Pakistan has suspended the visa extension process for all categories of Afghan refugees. This move comes amid an ongoing nationwide crackdown and mass deportations targeting Afghan migrants across the country.
Under the new directive, the security clearances required for visa renewal of Afghan refugees—including those who have lived in Pakistan for years—have been revoked. This decision directly affects the legal residency status of thousands of Afghans, including long-term residents.
Previously, Afghan migrants with specific documentation such as Proof of Registration (PoR) cards and Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) were eligible for visa renewals. However, these extensions have now been completely suspended, leaving many in a state of legal uncertainty.
Security sources in Pakistan told local media that this measure is part of the broader policy to intensify the expulsion of undocumented migrants. Many individuals whose visas have not been renewed are now facing detention and forced deportation.
Since November 2023, Pakistan has launched a large-scale repatriation campaign against Afghan nationals, during which over 1.3 million people have reportedly been sent back to Afghanistan. This includes individuals who were residing in the country with valid identification.
Reports also indicate that even Afghans holding legal documents, such as ACCs, have been arrested and deported during police operations. This has raised alarm among refugee communities and human rights organizations.
The Afghanistan Refugee Council in Islamabad has warned that the suspension of visa renewals could lead to the deportation of hundreds of thousands more. Amnesty International and other human rights groups have condemned the policy, calling it a violation of international refugee and human rights laws.
In response, international observers are urging the Pakistani government to reconsider its position and resume visa processing for documented refugees. They stress that blanket deportations risk violating the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to places where they face serious threats.